Tamil Nadu: Brace for Super El Niño's drought, flood havoc, Delta farmers told

TIRUCHY: Delta farmers have been advised to plan their agricultural activities carefully in view of the possible adverse impact of the Super El Niño, which could bring erratic rainfall and affect cultivation in the region.

Speaking at a water management conference organised by the Thanjavur district administration to create awareness among farmers about El Niño, environmental activist and Delta Weatherman Hemachander said Tamil Nadu could experience the impact of the Super El Niño in November.

He said the weather phenomenon, reported to occur after about 150 years, could cause drought in 70 per cent of the world's regions and heavy rainfall in the remaining 30 per cent. Its impact had also contributed to poor rainfall during the southwest monsoon in India, while high temperatures continued in Tamil Nadu even in September, he said.

According to Hemachander, the hot weather could continue until October 15, with the State receiving below-normal rainfall and only mild showers, mainly at night. The prolonged heat could further deplete groundwater levels, he cautioned.

However, Tamil Nadu could receive heavy rainfall for two months, from October 20 to December 20, he said, advising farmers to plan their cultivation based on the weather conditions.

He urged farmers to obtain timely information from officials before taking up agricultural activities to avoid heavy losses.